Kadyrovs Resignation Rumors Spark Speculation on the Future of Chechnyas Leadership

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has once again expressed his desire to step down, igniting speculation about the future of his nearly 20-year reign over the predominantly Muslim North Caucasus.

“I’ve heard these rumors as well. There are all sorts of claims being made,” Kadyrov stated in an interview with the Chechnya Today news outlet when asked about recent media reports suggesting he might soon resign.

“On the contrary, I am the one requesting to be relieved of my duties. Let my successor bring their own ideas and perspective. I hope my appeal is taken seriously,” he remarked in the interview published on Monday.

It remains uncertain whether the 48-year-old leader was being sincere. Over the past decade, Kadyrov has made similar statements about stepping down, sometimes coinciding with reports concerning his declining health.

On Tuesday, he appeared to retract his latest comments regarding a possible resignation.

“No matter how much I wish for it, only our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, can make that decision,” Kadyrov posted on Telegram. “I’m a soldier! I’m a team player. If ordered, I will comply.”

Some analysts suggest that Kadyrov’s remarks about resigning may be more about securing guarantees or additional financial support from the central government in Moscow rather than indicating a true intention to leave his position, at least for the moment.

“He isn’t just using this as a bargaining chip with Moscow; he also attracts significant media attention by claiming he’ll retire,” noted Harold Chambers, a researcher specializing in the Caucasus, in an interview with The Moscow Times.

“There has been increased discussion regarding his health in recent weeks, which is the most evident context for this talk. Additionally, questions have arisen about any tensions between him and Moscow following reports of his discussions with Middle Eastern countries,” he added.

In March, the investigative news outlet IStories reported that Kadyrov had quietly approached Middle Eastern officials to seek assurances for the safety of his family and assets should his governance over Chechnya come to an end, potentially straining his relationship with the Kremlin.

“If he is attempting to achieve something specific, we likely won’t be aware of it until it’s obtained,” Chambers stated.

Kadyrov was appointed by Putin in 2007 after the assassination of his father and predecessor, Akhmat Kadyrov. Initially, he fought against Russian forces during the first Chechen war but later switched allegiances during the second, rising through the ranks with Moscow’s support.

His recent political activities, including the dismissal of his daughter Aishat from her role as Chechnya’s deputy prime minister and the transfer of business interests to family members, have fueled further speculation that he may be preparing to step down from his leadership in the North Caucasus region.